TST NFL Fantasy Week 5 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em

Week 5 of the NFL season is here, and it's already shaping up to be another chaotic week with bye weeks now adding stress to fantasy mangers. From breakout stars to disappointing dud performances, making the right start or sit calls can make or break your lineup. In this column, I will break down which players you can rely on and which players you can fade from this week's slate of games.  

While looking to help fantasy managers make difficult decisions to their lineup, we won’t be mentioning the players that are obviously no-brainers (ex. Ja’Marr Chase, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, etc.). So instead, we will explore more debatable scenarios. 

Quick note: I know not every player made the cut in this week’s column; I had to draw the line somewhere. This week, I included an additional section of players titled: "Honorable mentions" and "Lowlights". Keep an eye out for expanded coverage in future weeks where I hope to create a full rankings list for every player at their position.

Quarterbacks 

Start ‘Em

Daniel Jones (NYG) vs. Las Vegas Raiders; Proj. FPTS - 18.3: Jones had his worst output of the season last week against the Rams' fierce defensive line. However, he had four points shaved off his total FPTS score thanks to Adonai Mitchell’s idiotic fumble that should have been an easy touchdown. Jones performs well against teams that don’t generate pressure, and luckily this week he takes on the Raiders that create pressure at the sixth-lowest rate. The Raiders also have given up the 10th-most passing yards and rushing yards to quarterbacks this season. Jones should put up another solid outing this week.  

Jared Goff (DET) @ Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 16.7: Besides a 33.96 FPTS outing in Week 2 against Chicago, it has been a disappointing start in fantasy for Goff. In his other three games, he's scored 10.90, 12.68 and 12.72 FPTS while possessing a 3-1 record. Part of the reason why he’s struggled is because he’s faced two of the top defenses in the league. Shockingly enough, Goff has thrown the second-most touchdowns and is ranked 10th in passing yards (929). This week, he has a chance to put up big numbers against the Bengals, who have allowed the ninth-most FPTS, third-most passing yards and touchdowns to quarterbacks. The Bengals defense cannot generate pressure and got exposed by Trevor Lawrence and Bo Nix. Goff will be next on that list.  

Justin Fields (NYJ) vs. Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS - 21.8: I don’t know how, but Fields always manages to keep himself in the mix in fantasy. Sure, most of his outings aren’t easy on the eyes, but he is such a dynamic playmaker whether he uses his arm or legs, including a 43-yard scamper he scored on Monday night against the Dolphins. In his return, he threw for 226 yards and a touchdown, and rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown. Basically, if he plays a full 60 minutes, he will produce solid FPTS, just like how he did in Week 1 and Week 4. Facing the Cowboys, he is inclined to do it again. Dallas seems to be the team to target against quarterbacks and wide receivers, being that they allowed the most FPTS, passing yards, are tied for the most passing touchdowns and have given up sixth-most rushing yards to quarterbacks. Every quarterback that has faced them has at least reached 24 FPTS and the last three opposing quarterbacks have finished as a top-five fantasy QB. Fields is absolutely a must-start this week. 

Honorable mentions: Dak Prescott (DAL) @ New York Jets, Drake Maye (NE) @ Buffalo Bills, Jaxson Dart (NYG) @ New Orleans Saints, Sam Darnold (SEA) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Sit ‘Em 

Geno Smith (LV) @ Indianapolis Colts; Proj. FPTS - 15.2: Ever since Smith said “They wrote me off, I ain’t write back though,” in 2022 following a win against the Broncos, that is when I started to take him seriously. However, the first month of the season has been awful for the 12-year veteran, besides his 26 FPTS game against the Commanders. I assumed last week, given the matchup, that he would have had a dependable day. Man, I was so wrong and I apologize. Smith finished with under 10 FPTS, which is the second time he’s done so. He also has thrown seven interceptions, which is the most in the league. Now, he takes on the Colts, who aren’t the most dominant unit but are respectable, standing in the middle of the pack in terms of FPTS allowed to quarterbacks.    

Trevor Lawrence (JAX) vs. Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS - 15.2: I have completely given up on Lawrence. Every week, I defend his play and believe he will turn things around. Entering the fourth year of his career, I’m lowering my expectations on him. I’m done. He plays the Chiefs this week, who have looked like the best secondary in the league, except for the hiccup they had in Brazil against Justin Herbert and the Chargers. They have shut down the passing attacks of Jalen Hurts, Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson. Do you really think Lawrence will be the one to break that spell? I certainly don’t think so, even with the top notch weapons he has at his disposal. If they are behind in this one, I don’t expect a great amount of garbage points against a fantastic Steve Spagnuolo defense.  

Carson Wentz (MIN) @ Cleveland Browns; Proj. FPTS - 13.9: Wentz was able to salvage his rubbish performance in Ireland with 21 FPTS. Aside from two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, Wentz and the Vikings were shut down pretty much the whole game, only putting up six points. This week playing the Browns in London, I don’t expect him to do any better. Cleveland has allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards and have the sixth-most sacks in the league, while the Vikings have given up the most sacks. Not a recipe for success if you ask me. To be safe, start someone else in your lineup and hit the snooze button on this game.   

Lowlights: Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) @ Carolina Panthers, Kyler Murray (ARI) vs. Tennessee Titans, Bo Nix (DEN) @ Philadelphia Eagles. 

Running Backs

Start ‘Em 

David Montgomery (DET) @ Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 12.8: I called last week not to start Montgomery against the Browns, however he is a must-start this week against the Bengals, who are horrible at stopping the run. The Bengals have averaged the second-most FPTS, second-most rushing yards, the seventh-most receiving yards, and are tied for the most receiving touchdowns to running backs this year. Montgomery is now taking less carries to his teammate Jahmyr Gibbs, but these last couple of weeks have shown his potential ceiling and floor with his new role. This will be an excellent game for both the RBs, but Montgomery always has a chance to score a touchdown near the goal-line and is currently tied for the fifth-most attempts when given the ball near the end zone.   

Cam Skattebo (NYG) @ New Orleans Saints; Proj. FPTS - 17.1: As someone that has been on the other side of Skattebo’s fantasy success, he is now crossing the threshold into elite fantasy running back territory. In his last three games, he has scored at least 13 FPTS, including 24 points back in Week 3 against Kansas City. We have seen the Giants start to feed him carries since Tyrone Tracy has been out of the lineup. Winning or losing, the Giants focus on the rookie and want the ball in his hands, especially with Malik Nabers out for the season. Since Week 2, he has recorded the third-most carries in the red zone. This week he takes on the Saints, who have averaged the ninth-most FPTS to running backs. Skattebo is an easy start to consider this week.  

Woody Marks (HOU) @ Baltimore Ravens; Proj. FPTS - 12.0: I hope you managed to get your hands on Marks because he is about to take off. A lot of other people that cover the league have been raving about Marks and how eventually he'll take the lead back position away from Nick Chubb. Marks put up an amazing performance in Week 4 against the Titans, scoring twice and finished with 119 yards from scrimmage. Marks’ pass catching abilities has helped him get more snaps and is overall a better pass blocker than Chubb. If there was any week to start Marks, it would be this week against the Ravens, who have the worst run defense in the league and have averaged the most FPTS, the fifth-most rushing yards and second-most rushing touchdowns to running backs this year.   

Honorable mentions: Breece Hall (NYJ) vs. Dallas Cowboys, Chuba Hubbard (CAR) vs. Miami Dolphins, Tony Pollard (TEN) @ Arizona Cardinals, Travis Etienne (JAX) vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Alvin Kamara (NO) vs. New York Giants. 

Sit ‘Em 

Jordan Mason (MIN) @ Cleveland Browns; Proj. FPTS - 13.1: This will not be an impressive showing this week for Mason, who takes on the Browns stifling run defense. While Gibbs is the only running back to go over 50 rushing yards, Cleveland has held Chase Brown to 43 yards, Derrick Henry to 23 yards, Josh Jacobs to 30 yards and Montgomery to 12 yards. All those names I listed are respectable backs in the league and should encourage you to look elsewhere. The Browns run defense tends to make contact with running backs from behind the line of scrimmage. Mason’s fantasy value has also taken a dip with him not receiving much of the passing-down work, which has gone to Zavier Scott. Just outright avoid Mason this week.   

Chase Brown (CIN) vs. Detroit Lions; Proj. FPTS - 13.9: I feel bad for people that took Brown early in their drafts. I mean, I can’t blame them with Joe Burrow going down. That injury by itself has hurt the entire franchise, once again. Without Burrow, they can’t move the ball and it’s clearly destroyed their chances of putting up points. What's insane is that Brown has averaged -0.7 yards before contact-per-carry, which means he is getting hit behind the line of scrimmage on most of his runs. He hasn’t even rushed for over 50 yards in a game yet, and now he takes on the Lions, who’ve allowed the eighth-fewest rushing yards to running backs. The only thing that saves Brown and his fantasy value is that he could receive extra points through the air during garbage time, but I would avoid that risk if possible.

Isiah Pacheco (KC) @ Jacksonville Jaguars; Proj. FPTS - 7.7: Pacheco has honestly lost fantasy significance with me. In his best outing thus far, 12.8 FPTS against the Ravens last week, showed that he can’t do anything, even with a great opportunity standing in front of him. This is his rushing yard totals since Week 1: 25 yards, 22 yards, 45 yards and 35 yards. Not only is he averaging just over 31 yards per-game, he is losing touches every week to Kareem Hunt and rookie Brashard Smith. What saved him last week was a receiving touchdown, and his outings will continue to look like that, entering a touchdown dependent territory. The Chiefs will take on the Jaguars this week, who have allowed the third-fewest rushing yards to running backs and have allowed just two runs of 10 or more yards all season. Pacheco is a lost cause in fantasy.  

Lowlights: Zach Charbonnet (SEA) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ashton Jeanty (LV) @ Indianapolis Colts, Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) @ Los Angeles Chargers. 

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

Garrett Wilson (NYJ) vs. Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS - 16.0: I forget which Monday night analyst said this during the telecast, but the Jets need to feed Wilson the ball. He is their only playmaker on the offense (Breece Hall doesn’t do enough in the offense). Wilson has elite hands and he is so electric and dynamic with the ball in his hands. He honestly should have had two touchdowns last week if it wasn’t for a soft penalty call on a push-off. In the last two games, he has been targeted 21 times, tallied 80 yards and registered a pair of touchdowns. This week, I will be giving him the Rome Odunze treatment, when it comes to expecting a big game from a player. Dallas has allowed the most yards and touchdowns to receivers this season and have been burnt toast on the deep ball this year. I guarantee Wilson will finish with over 100 yards receiving and will put up another touchdown. BOOK IT.  

Quentin Johnston (LAC) vs. Washington Commanders; Proj. FPTS - 17.5: Beside Keenan Allen showing the league that he still perform like he is still in his 20s, Johnston has proved that he changed and has disregarded his past reputation as the high draft pick that can’t catch the ball when it matters. Johnston currently leads the team in targets, air yards and is one of Herbert's favorite receivers to target in the end zone. This week, he will take on the Commanders, who have averaged the ninth-most FPTS and receiving yards to wide receivers this year. An intriguing stat about Johnson is that his lowest FPTS he has scored this year was 14.9 in Week 2. Start him this week (Also, start Allen if you have him on your team). 

Chris Olave (NO) vs. New York Giants; Proj. FPTS - 13.3: This should be a great game this week for Olave, taking on the Giants. While I have been down on Spencer Rattler (rightfully so), Olave is a target monster for the Saints, holding the second most targets across the league, only behind Puka Nacua. The Giants have allowed the most receptions and second-most FPPG to receivers this season. Olave has also posted double-digit targets in three of four games, which is hard to ignore even with a bad quarterback throwing him the ball. He should also take advantage of New York’s secondary, who has had trouble defending the deep ball. Fantasy managers should expect a big game from Olave this week.  

Honorable mentions: Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) vs. Tennessee Titans, Jakobi Meyers (LV) @ Indianapolis Colts, Jameson Williams (DET) @ Cincinnati Bengals.  

Sit ‘Em 

Jerry Jeudy (CLE) vs. Minnesota Vikings; Proj. FPTS - 10.1: I wouldn’t be surprised if you already dropped Jeudy from your roster, considering he has averaged 7.8 FPPG so far. It’s been a tough stretch of secondaries to go against this season, and it’s going to continue this week against the Vikings, who have allowed the fewest yards to receivers lined up outside the numbers. What hurts Jeudy is that he is usually schemed out wide during most of his routes. This season, the Vikings have averaged the fewest FPTS and third-fewest receiving yards to receivers this season. Be wise and continue to avoid Jeudy.  

Deebo Samuel (WAS) @ Los Angeles Chargers; Proj. FPTS - 13.8: It’s been quite the start to the year for Samuel, who has averaged 16.25 FPTS per game this season. After all the criticism he has received during the offseason, Samuel is currently the WR10 this season. I expect him to continue to get a large share of the targets with Terry McLaurin out with a quad injury. However, I think the Chargers defense presents a tough challenge for Samuel. Los Angeles has allowed the fourth-fewest FPTS to receivers this season and should be able to make it a tough outing for Marcus Mariota, who was named the starter with Jayden Daniels set to miss another week.   

AJ Brown (PHI) vs. Denver Broncos; Proj. FPTS - 13.7: I don’t know how much longer Brown’s lack of on-field success will go on for. He has now reached the staged where he posted a cryptic message on social media, which could means one of two things. One, he is tired of his non-existent role with the team four games in and wants to be featured more. Or two, he is starting to express discomfort and maybe wants a trade out of Philly. Either way, neither of the options make sense. The Eagles are one of two teams still undefeated, even with the lack of involvement from Brown. Brown is also 28-years-old, and should start thinking about taking a step back from his aggressive play style if he wants to have a longer shelf life. What this means for fantasy, I am not necessarily certain, but he will be shadowed by the Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II. The Broncos have also allowed the seventh-fewest FPTS and have given up only one touchdown  to wide receivers this season. However, he could get the squeaky wheel treatment this week If you are in need of a win, I wouldn’t start Brown this week, unless you have no other viable options.      

Lowlights: Chris Godwin (TB) @ Seattle Seahawks, Jaylan Waddle (MIA) @ Carolina Panthers, Stefon Diggs (NE) @ Buffalo Bills, Tee Higgins (CIN) vs. Detroit Lions, Calvin Ridley (TEN) @ Arizona Cardinals. 

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em 

Jake Ferguson (DAL) @ New York Jets; Proj. FPTS - 12.0: Who would have thought that Ferguson would be the leading tight end in fantasy? I know I wouldn’t have. Ferguson this season has displayed a high amount volume in the Cowboys offense since CeeDee Lamb has been sidelined. For three consecutive weeks, Ferguson has finished with at least 16 FPTS. He will clearly be a top-two target for Dak Prescott, who is also having a tremendous season. He is a must-start option moving forward, regardless of the mid-matchup he has this week against the undisciplined Jets.  

Sam LaPorta (DET) @ Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 10.1: I know people are really down on LaPorta this season. Through four weeks, he has scored: 13.90, 5.60, 7.30 and 6.90. However, I am optimistic that he will have a get-right game this week against the Bengals, who have allowed the most targets, fourth-most receptions, ninth-most yards and fifth-most FPTS to the position this season. Just like my Wilson prediction, I am guaranteeing that LaPorta will finish with double-digit FPTS and score a touchdown this week. 

Dalton Kincaid (BUF) vs. New England Patriots; Proj. FPTS - 8.0: Compared to the last couple of seasons, Kincaid has seen uptick in targets. Nonetheless, last week the volume was not there, but still managed to pull through for managers by scoring a touchdown. His fantasy numbers have been steady, finishing with at least seven points in each game and has scored 14 or more points in two different weeks. Josh Allen clearly has been aiming to throw Kincaid the ball more this season, and he will look to continue that against the Patriots this week. The Patriots have allowed the seventh-most receiving yards to tight ends this season. Kincaid is a safe play this week.

Honorable mentions: Tyler Warren (IND) vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Darren Waller (MIA) @ Carolina Panthers, Chig Okonkwo (TEN) @ Arizona Cardinals, Zach Ertz (WAS) @ Los Angeles Chargers.  

Sit ‘Em 

Hunter Henry (NE) @ Buffalo Bills; Proj. FPTS - 11.1: I have been very vocal about Henry and his success with quarterback Drake Maye. Now I can see a world where he manages to squeeze in a touchdown this week against the Bills, but I am not banking on it. Last week he only saw two targets but he could have very well scored on both of them. He did manage to get one but the second one he was tackled a yard short of the end zone. While Henry has posted double-digit FPTS three times, he will take on his toughest opponent so far in the Bills, who have allowed the fewest yards, second-fewest receptions and have averaged second-fewest FPTS to tight ends. Avoid him this week because I think he will finish under his projection.      

Dallas Goedert (PHI) vs. Denver Broncos; Proj. FPTS - 8.3: After Week 1, I thought Goedert would have a more solidified role in the Eagles offense. But the last three weeks have said otherwise. He did come up with a pair of touchdowns last week, but those were his first two red zone targets this season, which makes him touchdown reliant and sets his floor pretty low if he doesn’t find paydirt. This week, he plays a tough Broncos defense and will be competing for targets in a stacked offense that is expected to have a squeaky wheel game for Brown. Avoid starting Goedert this week. 

Mark Andrews (BAL) vs. Houston Texans; Proj. FPTS - 8.9: The last two weeks have suggested that Andrews has started to heat up in fantasy, finishing with 27.10 and 10 FPTS and has combined for 13 catches for 121 yards with two touchdowns. In Week 5, he will face the Texans that have allowed the fifth-fewest yards and sixth-fewest FPTS to tight ends this season. Andrews and the Ravens will be without Lamar Jackson for the next couple of weeks so that will play a factor into his fantasy production. I view Andrews as a dice roll this week. Don’t take the risk unless you are confident or have no other options.   

Lowlights: T.J. Hockenson (MIN) @ Cleveland Browns, David Njoku & Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) vs. Minnesota Vikings, Evan Engram (DEN) @ Philadelphia Eagles, Brendon Strange (JAX) vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Defense/Special Teams

Start ‘Em

Arizona Cardinals vs. Tennessee Titans; Proj. FPTS - 6.3: The Cardinals should be celebrating that they take on the Titans this week. The Titans have arguably the worst O-line in the NFL and cannot protect their rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who has been sacked for the second most times this season. The Titans have also turned the ball over five times and have given up a defensive touchdown. Three of four teams they've faced this season have scored at least 13 FPTS against them. The Cardinals defense is primed to have one of the best performances this week.  

Cleveland Browns vs. Minnesota Vikings; Proj. FPTS - 7.4: The Browns called out the Lions offense before the game and got embarrassed. This week, I could see them getting torched by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but I can tell Wentz will be running for his life in this game. Last week, Wentz got sacked six times against the Steelers, and the team through four games has given up the most sacks in the league. Minnesota has allowed three sacks in each game and the Browns are about to make it five. Start Cleveland if you can get them.  

Indianapolis Colts vs. Las Vegas Raiders; Proj. FPTS - 6.1: The Colts have split fantasy outings over the first month. This week though against Geno Smith, should help them get back on the green, going against the team with the most interceptions. They have also given up the fifth-most sacks in the NFL. You should expect some turnovers and sacks. The Colts should benefit from this game. 

Honorable mentions: Detroit Lions @ Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings @ Cleveland Browns

Sit ‘Em 

Denver Broncos @ Philadelphia Eagles; Proj. FPTS - 5.5: The Broncos are easily one of the best defenses in the NFL. But, they are about to run into a brick wall against the Eagles, who make every defense look elementary. The Eagles haven’t allowed an opposing defense to score more than five FPTS this season. If you are in need of a win, the Broncos are a very risky pick. If you can’t drop them, I understand. Just better hope you can get contributions from other areas to make up the points you are going to lose from Denver. 

Washington Commanders @ Los Angeles Chargers; Proj. FPTS - 3.1: I can imagine the Commanders getting shredded by the Chargers, high velocity offense. They have a group of dangerous receivers and a young, threatening running back. So far, no defense has scored double-digit FPTS against them. Without Jayden Daniels, the Commanders will likely struggle to put up a lot of points. Don’t start Washington.   

Kansas City Chiefs @ Jacksonville Jaguars; Proj. FPTS - 4.9: The Jaguars are a confusing bunch. They seem like a reasonable option to stream against with a struggling Trevor Lawrence. However, the Jaguars don’t give up a lot of sacks and no defense has scored more than five FPTS against them this season. I know the Chiefs look like they’re improving offensively, but I feel weird about this matchup. This game could very well be a trap game. Avoid Kansas City.     

Lowlights: New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers

Kickers

Start ‘Em 

Brandon Aubrey (DAL) @ New York Jets; Proj. FPTS - 8.6.

Chase McLaughlin (TB) @ Seattle Seahawks; Proj. FPTS - 7.9.

Spencer Shrader (IND) vs. Las Vegas Raiders; Proj. FPTS -  8.5. 

Jason Myers (SEA) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Proj. FPTS - 8.1. 

Matt Prater (BUF) vs. New England Patriots; Proj. FPTS - 8.7.

Sit ‘Em 

Jake Bates (DET) @ Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 9.2.

Harrison Butker (KC) @ Jacksonville Jaguars; Proj. FPTS -  7.7.

Jake Elliott (PHI) vs. Denver Broncos; Proj. FPTS - 8.1.  

Wil Lutz (DEN) @ Philadelphia Eagles; Proj. FPTS - 7.8.

Cam Little (JAX) vs. Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS - 7.7.